Raymond HAWTHORNE Obituary

My sincere condolences to Raymond's family and closest friends. I was a bit in awe of Raymond when I first met him in a rehearsal room, but got to know him as a charming, sweet man. He encouraged me to be brave and hopeful in life, and not to be cynical. Raymond was kind and thoughtful, and made the best martinis I've ever had. He is missed.

My sincere condolences to all of the Hawthorne family.
Sending all my love from Michelle, (Don's daughter), Sean and family.
May you rest peacefully in
heavens garden for all eternity Uncle
Raymond.

Thank you, Ray. You changed the world we live in. Vale.

Dear Raymond, Our last opera was Madama Butterfly in Hastings. It was so demanding but so thrilling. You made me cry but afterwards you said sorry. Our early days together on stage will always be remembered. Did you write that Biography ? June and I were to be in it. You loved Hastings where you first developed your talents with Stuart DeVinnie I would watch from the wings whenever you were on stage. Your Mum Bonnie was so proud of you. Fly high and know that you are a legend. RIP Raymond.

RIP Raymond,
A true gentleman.
May you rest in peace and be united with your beloved daughter.
Sharon Jennings

RIP Raymond. You lived a full and colorful life on you own terms bringing delight to many and guiding so many others. Enjoy the encore. Kristin Hawthorne.

Dear Raymond All those journeys together from Royal Hunt of the Sun, Theatre Corporate, National Opera, Mercury, Mercury Opera, orchestra gigs and the NZSO we all owe you so much and you changed the world for all of us - always restless - be at peace ....

I miss you X Our relationship was a once in a lifetime and you will always be that person to me. Fly high, Raymond. All love.

I worked with Raymond producing a couple of small shows at the Auckland City Gallery.... I was seriously scared of him but gathered courage and asked him to direct my stadium productions of CARMEN and LA TRAVIATA... somebody with a sense of immense theatrical bravura was needed. "But you have a reputation of making your cast cry" I said. "Oh" he replied "I don't do that any more... that was last year" He triumphed, filling the vast spaces of the stadium and preserving the dignity of both his cast and the operas in question, all the while shouting at 40 horses, a temperamental tenor, dancers, an opera chorus and the orchestra conductor, Brian Law. I came away with an enduring respect and affection for Raymond. So did his cast.. and nobody cried.